Quick-connecting coupler for hoses, pipes and faucets

ABSTRACT

A coupler for coupling an end of a hose to a mating end of a faucet or another hose. In the first embodiment, the female end of the coupler is mechanically locked in sealing engagement with a male end by simply translation thereof by means of wedges and an outer retaining sleeve. In a second embodiment, hydraulic pressure provides the final seal, with the female end being a spring split-ring locked and compressed by means of an outer locking sleeve, which outer locking sleeve is released by squeezing it in order to deform it. A third embodiment combines the first and second-embodiments.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.10/180,561, filed on Jun. 27, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to a coupler for connecting amale-end of one hose or tube to a female end of another hose or tube.Examples of prior-art quick-connecting hose couplers are disclosed inApplicant's previous U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,503,437 and 5,788,289.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is the primary objective of the present invention to provide aquick-connecting hose coupler which is more facilely connected anddisconnected.

[0004] It is also the primary objective of the present invention toprovide a first embodiment where the hose coupler is locked in place bymechanical action.

[0005] It is also the primary objective of the present invention toprovide a second embodiment where the hose coupler is locked in place bywater pressure.

[0006] It is also the primary objective of the present invention toprovide a coupler that has a female-end that provides a facile andsecure reception of a threaded male-end of a hose, faucet, and the like.

[0007] In a first mechanical-locking embodiment, the coupler has a mainframe, a collet mounted for slidable movement in the main frame, whichcollet comprises flexible thread-engaging means for engaging the threadsof a male-portion of an element. An outer retaining member slides aboutthe main frame, and telescopingly movable about the collet forpreventing the flexible thread-engaging means from disengaging with themale-portion of an element. Inner retaining means are mounted by themain frame for relative sliding motion in the outer retaining member forholding the outer retaining member in a locking position. Sealing meansare operatively associated with the main frame for providing a seal forthreads of a male-end of an element. Means are provided for moving thecollet and its flexible thread-engaging means toward and away from thesealing means.

[0008] In a second, hydraulically-locking embodiment, the female end isa spring split-ring locked and compressed by means of an outer lockingsleeve, which outer locking sleeve is released by squeezing it in orderto deform it. A third embodiment combines the first and secondembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0009] The invention will be more readily understood with reference tothe accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010]FIG. 1 is an isometric assembly view showing the first embodimentof the quick-connecting hose coupler of the present invention usingmechanical locking operation;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view thereof showing thehose coupler in its engaged state gripping a male end of a hose orfaucet;

[0013]FIG. 4 is an end view thereof;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

[0015]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4showing the hose coupler in its disengaged state;

[0016]FIG. 7 is an isometric assembly view showing the connection of thehose coupler to the male end and female end of two hoses or tubes, orbetween the female end of a hose or tube and the male threads of afaucet;

[0017]FIG. 8 is an isometric assembly view thereof;

[0018]FIG. 9 is a top view thereof in its engaged state;

[0019]FIG. 10 is a front isometric view thereof showing the coupler inits released state;

[0020]FIG. 11 is a rear isometric view thereof showing the coupler inits engaged state;

[0021]FIG. 12 is an isometric assembly view showing the secondembodiment of the invention which is a hydraulic-powered hose-coupler;

[0022]FIG. 13 is an end view thereof;

[0023]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG.13;

[0024]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG.13;

[0025]FIG. 16 is a side view thereof before engagement with hoses;

[0026]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG.16;

[0027]FIG. 18 is a side view thereof after engagement with hoses;

[0028]FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG.18;

[0029]FIG. 20 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a thirdembodiment of the invention shown connected between male and femaleends;

[0030]FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 20 but 90 degrees therefrom;

[0031]FIG. 22 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view thereof shown in anengaged state;

[0032]FIG. 23 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view thereof shown in adisengaged state;

[0033]FIG. 24A is a partial longitudinal cross-section view showing amodification of the mechanical quick-coupler of FIG. 1;

[0034]FIG. 24B is a partial longitudinal cross-section view showinganother modification of the mechanical quick-coupler of FIG. 1; and

[0035]FIG. 25 is a modification of the one-piece coupler of FIG. 1,where a threaded male-collet end is provided for receiving a female endof a piece to be coupled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, there is shownin FIGS. 1-11, a first embodiment 10 of the quick-connecting coupler ofthe invention for quick-connecting hoses, faucets, tubes, pipes, andother devices. The coupler 10 has a one-piece, main body portion orframe 12 defining, at one end, a male-threaded end-portion 14 forreceiving a female end of a hose, when the coupler 10 is to be used forcoupling a hose to another hose or faucet, or the like. The main frameis provided with a first annular rim or member 16 and a second annularmember or ring 18 for mounting therebetween a compressible sleeve-member20, the purpose of which is described hereinbelow in greater detail. Thecompressible member 20 is compressible radially inwardly, and is formedwith a plurality of recesses or grooves 21 in order to aid in itsresiliency and compressibility. Upstanding end-stops or detents 21′ abutagainst the outer edge-surface 21″ of the first annular member 12, therebeing a gap between the inner surface 14′ of the threaded male-end 14and the outer edge-surface 21″, which abutment occurs when the coupler10 is fully engaged, as can be seen in FIG. 11. The annular member orring 18 is provided with a plurality of cutouts or spaces 18′ forpurposes to be described hereinbelow. The main frame also has preferablyfour annular, distinct, wedge-shaped sections 22′ defining spaces orcutouts 22″ therebetween for exposing the outer surface of the mainframe 12 thereat. Each section 22′ defines a sloping or canted engagingsurface 24 facing in a direction toward the first male-threadedend-portion 14. The canted surface 24 slopes toward the firstmale-threaded end-portion 14 when viewed from the exterior or outersurface of the respective third annular section 22′ interiorlytherefrom, such that each annular member section 22′ tapers to anarrower annular outer surface 23. The canted surface 24 is a cammingguide-surface for cooperating with movable wedge-members 26, the purposeof which is described hereinbelow in greater detail. Telescopinglymounted about the main frame is a slidable retaining or locking sleeve30. Slidably mounted in the main frame is a slidable, multi-furcated orsplit, annular female end-member or collet 32 defining four resilient,threaded or grooved claw-elements 32′ (see FIG. 8) havinginteriorly-facing threads or grooves 32″ for engaging the male threadsof a male-end of a hose or faucet, or the like. Each claw-element 32′has two outer cam-elements 34 by which the claw-elements 32′ are held orretained in locking engagement with the male threads of the hose orfaucet by the interior surface of the slidable locking sleeve 30. It isnoted, unlike prior-art couplers, the slidable locking sleeve 30 doesnot force or cam the claw-elements into engagement with the threads ofthe male-end, but merely maintains or holds them in engagement therewithafter they have already become engaged in the manner describedhereinbelow. The claw-elements 32′ extend through the cavities or spaces22″ of the four distinct sections 22′ for relative sliding movementtherein, and therebetween. It is noted that the inner diameter of theclaw-elements 32′ is greater than the outer diameter of the annularmember 18, so that claw-elements clear the annular member 18, as seen inFIG. 3.

[0037] The main frame 12 also has a female-end, annular collar 40 withfour radially-extending protrusions 42 axially aligned with the fourdistinct sections 22′, so that the spaces or gaps between the fourperpendicularly-extending protrusions 42 are also aligned with thecavities or spaces 22″ between the wedge-shaped sections 22, whereby theend-portions of the claw-elements 32′ extend for sliding movement. Theslidable, split, annular female end-member, or split collet, 32 has aninterior annular surface edge-face consisting of sloping or cantedsurface face 44 and a second vertical or straight edge-face 44′. Thecompressible annular member or sleeve-member 20 has canted or sloped endedge-faces 52, 52′. The edge-face 52 cooperates with the vertical orstraight edge-face 44′, while the end end-face 52′ cooperates with thesloping or canted surface face 44 of the retaining sleeve. Thecompressible annular member 20 has an outer surface that is at leastpartially grooved or threaded for cooperation with straight, orhorizontal, perpendicular surface 50 that is also grooved or threadedfor mating contact therewith for locking the outer retaining sleeve 30in its extended state for keeping or holding the claw-elements in theirengagement with the threads of a male-end or faucet, or the like.

[0038] Each wedge-member 26 defines an upper wedge-surface 60 that isengageable with the interior surface of the retaining sleeve 30, as bestseen in FIG. 3, whereby the retaining ring 30 forces the wedge-members26 downwardly against respective sloping or canted engaging surfaces 24of the four annular, distinct, wedge-shaped, sections 22′ when theretaining sleeve is slid into its locking state, which is to the rightwhen viewing FIG. 3.

[0039] The hose-coupler 10 also has a conventional check valve 36 at themale-end portion 14, and a washer element 38 at the female end of thehose coupled, in the conventional manner for sealing engagement with themale-end of the hose or faucet received in the female-end of thehose-coupler 10, when there is a need for hydraulic sealing, it beingunderstood that in those uses of the present invention where sealing isnot required, the washer element 38 need not be provided.

[0040] The hose-coupler 10 operates as follows. A female-end of a firstend of a hose, tube, or other device, is screwed onto the male-end ofthe coupler 10, when the coupler 10 is to be used to couple threadedends together, it being understood that the coupler of the invention maybe provided only with a female end, with the other end of the couplerbeing affixed to, or part of, another device to be attached to athreaded male-end of a hose, faucet, or the like. A male-end of anotherhose or of a faucet is then attached to the female-end of thehose-coupler 10 as follows. A male-end 62 (FIG. 7) is pushed interiorlyinto the collet 32, whereby initial engagement between the exteriormale-threads of the male-end 62 engage with the interior threads 32″ ofthe claw-elements 32′ takes place, where the collet 32 and itsclaw-elements assume the initial, unsealed state shown in FIG. 6. Theinitial engagement is allowed via the floating, cantilevered nature ofthe claw-elements 32′. As the male-end 62 is pushed into the collet 32,the collet with its the claw-elements 32′ are pushed backwardly, orrearwardly, into the interior of the main frame 12, until the interiorannular surfaces 44′ thereof abut against forwardly-facing slopedsurface 52 of the compressible annular member 20, which provides aninitial limit to the rearward movement of the collet 32 and itsclaw-elements 32′. The retaining or setting sleeve 30 is then movedforwardly, or to the right when viewing FIG. 6, which initiallycompresses or squeezes the compressible sleeve-member 20 inwardly viacooperating canted surfaces 46 and 52′, and then, after further slidingmovement, maintains this compressed state of the compressible annularmember 20 via cooperating threads or grooves 20′ formed on the outersurface of the annular member 20 and threads or grooves 50′ formed onthe interior, annular end-surface 50 of the setting ring 30 after theclaw-elements 32′ are sealingly locked in place with the male-threads ofthe male-end inserted therein. This initial compression or squeezing ofthe compressible sleeve-member 20 allows for additional, rearward orinterior movement of the claw-elements 32′, since the interior annularsurfaces 44 of the collet 32 may then ride rearwardly along slopedsurfaces 52 of the compressible sleeve-member 20, which furtheradditional movement is caused by the wedge 26 as described herein. Asthe retaining ring 30 is moved further toward the female-end of thehose-coupler, wedges 26 are forced downwardly and rearwardly to thusalso force the claw-elements 32′ rearwardly toward the male-end 14,which rearward movement is allowed owing to the fact that thecompressible annular member 20 had been compressed, or squeezed, by theinitial movement of the outer retaining ring 30. The wedges 26 force thecollet 32 with its claw-elements 32′ rearwardly by the contact of therear, vertical surfaces 26′ of the wedges 26 against the annularsurfaces 45 of the collet member 32 formed in the spaces between theclaw-elements 32′, as best seen in FIG. 8. Rearward movement of theclaw-elements 32′ via the wedges 26 causes the male-end 64 of a hose orfaucet to be drawn and forced tightly in sealing engagement with thewasher-element 38. With the final outward sliding movement of theretaining sleeve, the retaining sleeve will cover or surround theclaw-elements to thus prevent the disengagement of the threads thereofwith the threads of the male-end 64 of the hose or faucet. Engagement ofthe cooperating threads or grooves 20′ formed on the outer surface ofthe compressible sleeve-member 20 with the threads or grooves 50′ formedon the interior, annular end-surface 50 of the setting sleeve 30,prevents disengagement of the claw-elements 32′ of the collet 32 withthe threads of the male-end therein unless manual counterforce isapplied when one wants to disengage and remove the male-end 634 fromconnection to the hose-coupler 10. The retaining or setting sleeve 30does not cam or force the claw-elements into engagement with themale-end located with the collet 32, but merely prevents disengagementtherebetween by preventing the claw-elements from flexing outwardly,which outward flexing, as described hereinabove, allows the male-end tobe pushed into the interior of the collet 32 for engagement between thethreads of the inserted male-end and the threads or grooves 32″ of theclaw-elements 32′.

[0041] In a preferred version, the wedge-surface 24 preferably isapproximately 45 degrees, while the upper wedge-surface 60 preferablyhas an angle of approximately 10 degrees. The retaining sleeve has atotal movement of 0.596 inches, while the total longitudinal movement ofthe collet is approximately 0.105 inches. The mechanical advantage is6:1. The compression of the compressible member allows the additionalapproximate 0.065 in which is included in the total movement of 0.105in.

[0042] In order to disengage and remove the male-end 64, the retainingsleeve 30 is moved in the opposite, rearward direction, toward themale-end 14, thus releasing the claw-elements, and thus expanding thecompressible annular member 20, forcing the claw-elements forwardly, topush the wedges 26 outwardly and upwardly, whereby the tight seal withthe washer element 38 is broken. The male-end 64 may then be easilypulled off, since the outer retaining sleeve no longer prevents suchdisengagement.

[0043] The advantages to this mechanical-operation hose coupler is thatno turning or rotation is required to make the seal, and no pistonmember relying on water pressure for the washer element is required, orspring therefor is required. Installation is achieved by lateralmovement, or pushing, only in the direction of the male-end of the hoseor faucet, which is the very same direction that the female-end of thehose-coupler is being urged during coupling. Additionally, theclaw-elements of the collet float or flex, which allows the threads inthe claw-elements of the collet and on the male-end of the hose orfaucet to align at all times, ensuring not only ease of attachment, butalso ensuring that engagement between the threads will occur at alltimes for all movement of the collet. In addition, the mechanicaladvantage is considerable; whereas conventional units require 23 lbs. offorce to seal against a hose washer, the hose-coupler 10 of theinvention requires only 4 lbs.

[0044] The coupler 10 of the invention may also be provided without amale-end, in which case, just the collet with its female end forreceiving a threaded male-end is provided. Such an embodiment would haverelevance to a quick-connector attached to an item or device that is tobe attached to any type of faucet, pipe, etc., whether it be a waterfaucet or other type.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 12-19, there is shown a second embodimentof the hose-coupler of the invention which is clamped tightly about amale-end of a hose or faucet, or the like, by mainly hydraulic pressure.The coupler 100 consists of a main body portion or frame 102 defining athreaded male-end section 104, and a main tubular or cylindrical section104′. Mounted within the main body portion is a male-end check ball 106for closing of the opening 104′ of the male-end section 104 when thehydraulic power has been turned off. This check ball allows water toleak out slightly in order to drain the hose. A sealing piston member108 is also mounted for sliding movement in the main body portion, andis biased away from the male-end section 104 via a compression spring110. Washers 112, 114 are located in either end surface of the pistonmember. A flexible, compressible, split spring sleeve or ring 116 isalso provided which serves as a female end-section of the coupler 100for receiving and holding therein a threaded male-end of a hose orfaucet, or the like. The split sleeve 116 is provided with a pluralityof radially-protruding ears or tabs 118 which project outwardly throughand beyond suitably located and aligned openings or cutouts 120 formedin the main tubular or cylindrical section 104′. The cutouts 120 are ofample width to accommodate the sliding movement of the split sleeve 118.The tabs 118 allow for the expansion and compression of the split sleeveas described hereinbelow.

[0046] Slidably mounted about the main tubular or cylindrical section104′ is an outer releasing or unlocking sleeve or collet 120. Thereleasing sleeve 120 is slid backwardly, or rearwardly, or toward themale-end section 104 to expose the tabs 118 in order to allow them toexpand fully when a male-end of a hose, faucet, pipe, or the like, isfirst inserted thereagainst, as best seen in FIGS. 15 and 17. Thisinitial pushing on of the male-end causes it to move interiorly againstthe biased piston member 108 for an initial seal. This expansion allowsthe split ring to encompass or receive the male-end of a hose or faucettherein, and for the interior threads or grooves 122′ to engage with theexterior male threads of the male-end inserted therein. After initialsealing, the outer collet 120 is then slid in the opposite direction, tothereby close off the cutouts or openings 120 and force the split ringto compress radially inwardly by camming the ears or tabs 118 radiallyinwardly, to force the split ring into its engaging state, as seen inFIGS. 18 and 19. In this engaged or locked state, the final seal isprovided hydraulically by means of the fact that surface area of thepiston member 108 is greater than sealing surface area of the washer 114against which the piston abuts. Alternatively, the inner annular surfaceof the collet 120 may be provided with an annular groove having acamming surface that compresses the split ring radially inwardly intolocking engagement via the tabs 118.

[0047] The releasing collet 120 is provided with a pair of exterior,radially-extending push-members 130 spaced 180 degrees apart. The collet120 is formed with in an end-section 120″ that is relatively thickerthan the thinner section 120′ of rest of the collet 120. Grooves orslits 136 are also provided in the thinner section to ensure that whenthe push-members 130 are squeezed, the thinner section 120′ flexes andbecomes distorted into an approximately elliptical or oval shape. Formedon the outer surface of the main tubular or cylindrical section 104′ ofmain body portion 102, as can be seen in FIGS. 17 and 18, are a pair ofoutwardly projecting stops or stepped detents 140, spaced 180 degreesapart. These stepped detents engage with the annular end-surface of thecollet 120 to hold it in place during engagement of the split ring withthe male-end of a hose or faucet. The push-members 130 are 90 degreesout of phase with the stepped detents 140. When the push-members aresqueezed to deform the thinner section 120′, the portion of the annularend-surface 120′ is bowed out enough of an amount so as to clear thestepped detents 134. This clearance allows the outer collet 120 to bemoved or slid away from female-end section of the coupler 100, tothereby again allow the split ring 116 to expand, to thereby release thethreaded engagement between the split ring and the male-end of a hose,faucet, pipe, or the like. This sliding release-movement again exposesthe tabs 116 of the split ring 116 to allow their expansion to releasethe male-end of a hose or faucet.

[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 20-23, there is shown a third embodimentof the coupler of the invention, which is similar to themechanically-controlled and sealed coupler 10 of the first embodiment ofFIG. 1, but incorporating the push-locking outer collet of the secondembodiment of FIG. 12. The coupler 200 for hoses, pipe, faucets, and thelike, is provided with a main frame or body portion 202 defining athreaded male-end 204 for receiving a female end of a hose, tube, or thelike, and an enlarged annular central section 206. This enlarged annularcentral section 206 is provided with diametrically-opposite locatedthreads or teeth 208, 210, similar to the grooves or threads 20′ of thehose coupler 10 of the first embodiment. Partially telescoping theenlarged annular central section 206 is an outer retaining collet orsleeve 212 mounted for sliding movement between a locking state and areleasing state. The collet or sleeve 212 has an interior annular groove214 in which is mounted a flexible and resilient locking ring 216.Diametrically-opposite sections of the locking ring 216 are providedwith threaded or grooved sections 218 that cooperatively engage withrespective diametrically-opposite located threads or teeth 208, 210 ofthe enlarged annular central section 206, which are used to lock theouter collet or sleeve 212 in either its locking or releasing state, asdescribed hereinbelow. The locking ring 216 is also provided withdiametrically-opposite push-members or buttons 222, spaced 90 degreesout of phase with the threaded or grooved sections 218. The push-buttonsprotrude through radially-extending cutouts 224, as seen in FIG. 21. Thepush-buttons 218 are pressed together or squeezed by one hand in orderto distort the locking ring 216, to disengage the threaded sections 218from the teeth 208, 210 to allow the collet 212 to slide, for reasonsdescribed hereinbelow. A split-ring 228 constitutes the female-end ofthe coupler 200. The split-ring 228 is similar to the split ring 116 ofthe second embodiment of FIG. 12, with the difference being that thesplit ring 228 is provided with a plurality of angularly and rearwardlyextending fins 230 each defining a first, angular camming surface 230′and a second angular camming surface 230″. The coupler 200 also has alike number of wedge-members 234 each defining an upper sloped orcamming surface 234′ and an angularly and rearwardly extending slopingor camming surface 234″. The wedge-members are mounted for verticalmovement in the main body portion 202 via cooperating vertical surfaces241 of the wedge-members and vertical annular surface 241 of the mainbody portion. The camming surfaces 234′ cooperate or mate with annularcamming or sloping surface 236 of the outer collet. An annular spacerring or member 240 for initially limiting the travel of the split ring228 is provided between fins 230 and shoulder surface 246 of theenlarged annular central section 206. The spacer ring 240 defines asloped or camming surface 240′ for meshing with the sloped surfaces 230′of the split ring 228. Shoulder surface 246 is formed by thesmaller-diameter section 248 of the main frame 202 which holds a washeror sealing member 250 that seals the male-end of a hose or faucetengaged in the split ring 228.

[0049] The coupler 200 is operated as follows. The coupler in itsopened, disengaged state is as that shown in FIG. 23, with the outercollet 212 in its released position closer to the male-end 204 of thecoupler. A male-end of a hose, pipe, faucet, or the like, is insertedinto the interiorly-threaded split ring 228 and pushed against thewasher 250. This initial movement or travel of the split ring againstthe washer is allowed by the spacer ring 240, since the mating slopingsurfaces of the split ring and the spacer ring are spaced from eachother as shown in FIG. 23. This initial travel of the split ring 240provides an initial seal, and ends when the end of the mating slopingsurfaces of the split ring contact the flat surface 240″ of the spacerring as best seen in FIG. 23. The final seal is achieved by releasingthe outer collet for sliding movement by squeezing the push-buttons 222,and sliding the collet in the direction of the split ring, which causesthe radial compression of the spacer ring 240, which causes the slopingor camming surface 240′ thereof radially interiorly. This compressionallows the split ring 230 greater travel interiorly, via cammingsurfaces 230′ and 240′ of the split ring and spacer ring. The interiorlytravel of the split ring is forced via the wedge-members 234 by means ofthe their downward movement as the mating camming surfaces 234′ and 236engage. The downward movement of the wedge-members compresses the splitring to lock the male-end therein, and push the split ring interiorly bymeans of the mating camming surfaces 230′ and 234″. After this finalseal has taken place, the push-buttons 224 are released, and the colletretained in its retaining position for locking the split ring in placeabout the male-end inserted therein. To disengage the male-end andrelease it from the split ring, the procedure is reversed.

[0050] The coupler of the invention may be used on tapered pipes, suchas line-pipe connections and pipe connections used in the oil and gasindustry, etc. Moreover, instead of using wedges for providingmechanical advantage, there may be used instead ball-shape rollers,fulcrums, lever, cam, rack and pinion/gear, leverage device and anymechanism that develops mechanical advantage.

[0051] The quick-connector of the invention may also be used for theassembling of pipe framing, such as tent poles and scaffolding, etc.,where no sealing is required. In this case, no sealing washer or thelike is provided nor used.

[0052] In addition to coupling to a threaded male-end, either themechanical or hydraulic quick connector of the invention may beconnected to a pipe provided with a groove or cut-out on its outerdiameter to receive a non-threaded quick-connector of either of themechanical and hydraulic versions of the invention. In this case, thefemale-end of the coupler is provided without threads to receive thenon-threaded pipe-end which has a groove or lip thereof FIGS. 24A and24B show these other modifications. FIG. 24A shows a modification wherethe mechanical quick-coupler 200 of the invention is provided with aplurality—such as four—ball bearings or spheres 202 instead ofwedge-members for providing the mechanical advantage. The coupler 200 isalso provided with a female-end consisting of a collet 204 similar tothe collet 32 with furcated flexible arms of FIG. 8, except that thecollet 204 does not have any threads on its flexible furcated arms. Thiswould be used in the case of a pipe-end 206′ of a pipe 206 having just agroove or cutout 206″. The coupler 200 also differs in that instead of athreaded male-end thereof, a threaded female end 210 is used in order toscrew onto a threaded tapered end 212′ of a tapered pipe 212, such awater, sewer or gas pipe or line. Thus, the quick-connect coupler may beused for coupling two male-ends together.

[0053]FIG. 24B shows the other above-discussed modifications. In thismodification, the coupler 220 has an unthreaded female-end 222 like thatof FIG. 24A, but connects to an unthreaded pipe-end 224′ of a pipe 224having a lip or detent 224″ for matingly locking with the female-end222. The other end of the coupler may have a welded or otherwise affixedpipe attached thereto to form one, integral piece with the coupler 220.

[0054] Although not shown, the coupler of FIG. 24A or 24B may be adouble-ended one, in which each end of the coupler is provided with afemale collet 32 or 204 with furcated flexible arms or fingers for anyof the versions hereinabove described. In this version, the couplerquick-connects two pipes similar to pipes 206 or 224.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 25, there is shown a modification of theembodiment of FIGS. 1-11. In this modification, instead of the femalecollet 32 of FIGS. 1-11, which receives a male-end of a piece to becoupled, the coupler 300 is provided with a male-threaded flexiblecollet 332 which is otherwise identical to the collet 32 seen in FIG. 8,except that instead of each claw-element 32′ having interior femalethreads for receiving a male-end of a connecting part, each claw-element332′ of the collet 332 is provided with exterior male threads for matingwith a female end of a mating piece. Moreover, each claw-element 332′ isnot provided with an outer cam-element 34 as in the embodiment of FIGS.1-11. Instead, locking sleeve 330 of the coupler 300 is provided with anintegral, interiorly-extending, annular sleeve-extension 334 having acanted or sloped annular end-surface 334′. This canted or sloped annularend-surface 334′ cooperates with mating canted or slopinginteriorly-facing surfaces 336 formed on the end of each claw-element332′, whereby when the locking sleeve is slid toward the male collet332, mating canted surfaces 334′, 336 cooperate to lock the male threadsof the claw-elements 332′ against the threads of the mating female endof the part being coupled. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, thecoupler 300 has a compressible member 320 corresponding to thecompressible member 20 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, as well asmovable wedge-members 326 similar to wedge-members 26 of the embodimentof FIGS. 1-11. The coupler 300 has a main frame 312 similar to frame 12of coupler 10, except that the end 312′ thereof at the male collet 332is provided with an annular ring or seat 340 against which a sealingwasher of the female end being coupled is seated. The other end 314′ ofthe frame 312 may be a female end, or another male end The other end314′ of the coupler may be threadingly coupled to another part, or beclamped to an end of a pipe, or the like, as described above withreference to the embodiment of FIGS. 24A, 24B. The collet 332, insteadof male threads being provided on each claw-element 332′, anoutwardly-extending projection may be provided instead for mating withan interior groove of the end of a pipe, in a manner similar to theconnection shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 24A, 24B.

[0056] In use, the coupler 300 operates as follows. The collet 332 isinitially inserted into a female-end of a hose, tube, pipe, or otherdevice. This initial connection collapses or interiorly compresses theclaw-elements 332′ to provide an initial coupling. After this, thelocking sleeve 330 is moved toward the collet 332, or to the right whenviewing FIG. 25, which initially causes the canted surface 334′ of thesleeve-extension 334 against the cooperating canted surfaces 336 of theclaw-elements 332′ to prevent disengagement between the claw-elementsand the female end of the part being coupled. As the locking sleeve 330is further moved toward the collet 332, it forces the wedge members 326inwardly and downwardly, causing the claw-elements 332′ to move ortranslate interiorly, or to the left when viewing FIG. 25, while at thesame time causing the main frame 312 in the opposite direction, or tothe right when viewing FIG. 25, in order to cause the seat 340 againstthe sealing washer of the female end of the part being coupled, tothereby seal the coupler thereagainst. During the sliding of the lockingsleeve 330, the compressible member 320 is compressed, allowing furthertranslational movement to the claw-elements 332′, in the same manner asdescribed above with regard to the coupler of FIGS. 1-11, whereby theabove-mentioned seal between the seat 340 and the washer of the femaleend of the part being coupled. Preferably, the claw-elements 336, have afree float of about 0.050 inches before the canted cooperating surfaces334′, 336 are engaged in order to allow initial alignment of the malethreads thereof with the female end being coupled; that is, the interiorends of the claw-elements 336 do not contact against the end of thecompressible member 320 for a movement of 0.050 inches. The lockingsleeve 330 preferably travels about 0.105 inches before the compressiblemember 320 is compressed or collapsed.

[0057] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, it is to be understood that numerous changes andmodifications may be made therein without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A coupler having one of a female-end and a maleend for connection to mating cooperating end of an element, comprising:a main frame; a collet means mounted for slidable movement by said mainframe, said collet means comprising flexible engaging means for engaginga cooperating portion of a mating cooperating end of an element to becoupled to; a retaining member mounted for sliding movement by said mainframe, said retaining member being at least partially telescopinglymovable relative to said collet means and comprising prevention meansfor preventing said flexible engaging means from disengaging with themating cooperating end of an element to be coupled to male-portion of anelement, and also comprising first engaging means; a retaining meansmounted by said main frame for relative sliding motion with respect tosaid retaining member, and comprising second cooperating means, saidretaining means capable of retaining said retaining member in a retainedposition via said first and second cooperating means; means fortranslating said flexible engaging means of said collet means; saidmeans for translating comprising third cooperating means in operativeassociation with said collet means and said retaining member foralternatively moving said collet means in a first direction and in asecond direction.
 2. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein saidthird engaging means of said means for translating comprises wedge meanshaving a first wedge-surface, a second wedge-surface and a thirdwedge-surface; said main frame comprising a first canted-surface meansfor contact with said first wedge surface of said wedge means formovement of said wedge means therealong; said retaining membercomprising a second canted-surface means for contact with said secondwedge-surface of said wedge-means; and said collet means comprisingengaging surface means for contact with said third wedge-surface; saidwedge means causing said collet means to move relative to said mainframe by said contacting third wedge-surface and said engaging surfacemeans when said retaining member is moved relative to said collet meansby contact of said second canted-surface means with said secondwedge-surface of said wedge-means.
 3. The coupler according to claim 1,wherein each of said first cooperating means and said second cooperatingmeans comprises a canted surface for compressing said retaining member,and further comprising cooperating locking means for retaining saidouter retaining member in a position relative to said compressible innerretaining member for keeping said inner retaining member in a compressedstate.
 4. The coupler according to claim 3, wherein said third engagingmeans of means for translating comprises wedge means having a firstwedge-surface, a second wedge-surface and a third wedge-surface; saidmain frame comprising a first canted-surface means for contact with saidfirst wedge surface of said wedge means for movement of said wedge meanstherealong; said retaining member comprising a second canted-surfacemeans for contact with said second wedge-surface of said wedge-means;and said collet means comprising engaging surface means for contact withsaid third wedge-surface; said wedge means causing said collet means tomove in said main frame by said contacting third wedge-surface and saidengaging surface means when said retaining member is moved relative tosaid collet means by contact of said second canted-surface means withsaid second wedge-surface of said wedge-means.
 5. The coupler accordingto claim 1, wherein said retaining means comprises a flexible,compressible sleeve; said first cooperating means and said secondcooperating means comprising compressing means for compressing saidretaining member; said flexible, compressible sleeve comprising thirdcooperating means, and said collet means comprising fourth cooperatingmeans, said third cooperating means and fourth cooperating meanscooperating being in operative engagement so that when said said firstcooperating means and said second cooperating means compress saidflexible, compressible sleeve, said collet means is allowed greatertranslational movement by said means for translating.
 6. The coupleraccording to claim 1, wherein said collet means is a male-end forreception in a female-end of an element to be coupled to; each of saidflexible engaging means comprising male-end means for mating engagementwith a female-end of an element to be coupled to; said prevention meanscomprising a prevention element having a first canted surface; each ofsaid flexible engaging means of said collet means comprising a secondcanted surface for cooperative engagement with said first canted surfacefor expanding said flexible engaging means outwardly into engagementwith the female-end of element to be coupled to when said retainingmember is moved relative to said collet means. 7 The coupler accordingto claim 6, wherein said main frame comprises a seat-end at said colletmeans against which seats a sealing element of a female-end of anelement to be coupled to; said third cooperating means cooperating withsaid main frame for moving said main frame, and therefore said seat-end,in a direction away from said third cooperating means, whereby saidseat-end is sealed against a sealing element in the female end of anelement to be coupled to.
 8. The coupler according to claim 4, whereinsaid collet means is a male-end for reception in a female-end of anelement to be coupled to; each of said flexible engaging meanscomprising male-end means for mating engagement with a female-end of anelement to be coupled to; said prevention means comprising a preventionelement having a first canted surface; each of said flexible engagingmeans of said collet means comprising a second canted surface forcooperative engagement with said first canted surface for expanding saidflexible engaging means outwardly into engagement with the female-end ofelement to be coupled to when said retaining member is moved relative tosaid collet means.
 9. The coupler according to claim 8, wherein saidmain frame comprises a seat-end at said collet means against which seatsa sealing element of a female-end of an element to be coupled to; saidfirst canted-surface means in contact with said first wedge surface ofsaid wedge means translating said main frame for moving said main frame,and therefore said seat-end, in a direction away from said wedge means,whereby said seat-end is sealed against a sealing element in the femaleend of an element to be coupled to.
 10. In a coupler having one of afemale-end and a male-end for connection to a mating end of an element,comprising: a main body portion; collet means mounted for slidablemovement relative to said main body portion, said collet meanscomprising flexible engaging means for engaging with a mating portion ofan element to be coupled to; an outer retaining member mounted forsliding relative to said main frame, said outer retaining member beingat least partially telescopingly movable about said collet means andcomprising means for preventing said flexible engaging means fromdisengaging with the mating of an element to be coupled to, andcomprising first engaging means; retaining means capable of holding saidouter retaining member in a locking position; and means for moving saidflexible engaging means of said collet means toward and away from saidmain body portion.
 11. The coupler according to claim 10, wherein saidmeans for moving comprises wedge means having a first wedge-surface, asecond wedge-surface and a third wedge-surface; said main body portioncomprising a first canted-surface means for contact with said firstwedge surface of said wedge means for movement of said wedge meanstherealong; said outer retaining member comprising a secondcanted-surface means for contact with said second wedge-surface of saidwedge-means; and said collet means comprising engaging surface means forcontact with said third wedge-surface; said wedge means causing saidcollet means to move relative to said main body portion by saidcontacting third wedge-surface and said engaging surface means when saidretaining member is moved relative to said collet means by contact ofsaid second canted-surface means with said second wedge-surface of saidwedge-means.
 12. The coupler according to claim 10, wherein said outerretaining member comprises a first cooperating means; said retainingmeans being mounted by said main body portion for relative slidingmotion in said outer retaining member, and comprising second cooperatingmeans; said retaining means comprising a compressible member capable ofholding said outer retaining member in a locking position via said firstand second cooperating means; each of said first cooperating means andsaid second cooperating means comprising means for compressing saidretaining means, and further comprising cooperating locking means forlocking said outer retaining member in a position relative to saidcompressible member for keeping said compressible member in a compressedstate.
 13. The hose coupler according to claim 10, wherein saidretaining means comprises a compressible member having a firstend-portion and a second end-portion; said collet means being capable ofabutting contact with said second end-portion of said compressiblemember; said outer retaining member having means for compressing saidcompressible member when said outer retaining member is moved in thedirection of said collet means, whereby when said compressible member iscompressed, said collet means is allowed movement by said means formoving in a direction toward said main body portion to thereby secure amating end of an element to be coupled to
 14. The coupler according toclaim 13, wherein said compressible member comprises a tubular elementhaving cutout means-in-order to form a plurality of furcated arms; saidtubular element having an outer circumferential surface and firstcooperating means formed on said outer circumferential surface; saidouter retaining member comprising said second cooperating means forcooperating with said first cooperating means for compressing-saidplurality of arms, and further-comprising additional cooperating meansfor releasably holding said outer retaining member in a positionrelative to said compressible member for keeping said compressiblemember in a compressed state.
 15. The coupler according to claim 10,wherein said collet means is a male-end for reception in a female-end ofan element to be coupled to; each of said flexible engaging meanscomprising male-end means for mating engagement with a female-end of anelement to be coupled to; said means for preventing comprising aprevention element having a first canted surface; each of said flexibleengaging means of said collet means comprising a second canted surfacefor cooperative engagement with said-first canted surface for expandingsaid flexible engaging means outwardly into engagement with thefemale-end of element to be coupled to when said retaining Member ismoved relative to said collet means.
 16. The coupler according to claim15, wherein said body portion comprises a seat-end at said collet meansagainst which seats a sealing element of a female-end of an element tobe coupled to; said means for moving cooperating with said main framefor moving said main frame, and therefore said seat-end, in a directionaway from said third means for moving, whereby said seat-end is sealedagainst a sealing element in the female end of an element to be coupledto.
 17. A method of coupling a male-end of an element to a female-end ofanother element, which coupler comprises a main body portion having afirst end and a second end comprising: (a) inserting a female-endpartially about a flexible, floating collet member having matingengaging means for the female-end; (b) said step (a) comprising pushingthe female-end to cause the engaging means of the collet member toinitially engage with cooperating means of the female-end and for movingthe collet member a first lateral distance by contact of the colletmeans against a limit-stop; (c) after said step (b), allowing the colletmember additional lateral movement; (d) said step (c) comprising movingthe limit stop a distance that allows said additional lateral movement;(e) substantially simultaneously moving said collet member a furtherdistance as defined by said step (d) in a first direction and saidsecond end of said main body portion in the opposite direction; (f) saidstep (e) sealing said second end of said-main body portion against asealing member in the female-end of the other element.
 18. The methodaccording to claim 17, wherein said step (d) comprises compressing acompressible member having engaging means that engage with said colletmember, said step of compressing moves the engaging means away from thecollet member to thus allow said additional lateral movement.
 19. Themethod according to claim 1-8, wherein said step of compressingcomprises initially sliding an outer setting sleeve about thecompressible member; said method further comprising retaining saidcollet member in its engaged sealing state with the female-end, saidstep of retaining comprising additionally sliding said outer settingsleeve for lockingly engaging means of the outer setting sleeve withcooperating engaging means on the compressible member.